Delta carry-on policy

So, I will be flying with Delta (from Europe to the US, if that matters) soon and I'm trying to understand what I can take with me to my seat.

The following conditions were copied from Delta's official carry-on policy.

We know, you’ve probably heard it before, but just in case you need a reminder: you’re only allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard at no charge. Just make sure they fit into the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Cram sessions are not pretty — and they slow things down.

So What Exactly Is Allowed?

Approved Personal Items

• 1 purse, briefcase, camera bag or diaper bag
• or 1 laptop computer (computers cannot be checked)
• or 1 item of a similar or smaller size to those listed above

Followed by

Carry-on Size Restrictions It won’t fit. Three words you don’t want to hear when trying to board. To avoid delays and possible checked bag fees, follow these size requirements:

• Baggage may not exceed 45 linear inches (or 114 cm) in combined length, width and height, including any handles and wheels, with the exception of small musical instruments that fit in the overhead compartment space or under-seat space available at the time of boarding
• Baggage must meet carry on size limits (approximately 22" x 14" x 9" or 56 x 35 x 23 cm). Reference size check templates located at ticket counters and gates.

Here's the part I don't understand. A laptop is an electronic device, it is not bag, nor is it an electronic device in a bag. A laptop backpack with a laptop inside, according to what's above, would count as a carry-on (backpack) and one personal item (laptop), leaving no room for a proper carry-on like the one below (which, for the purpose of this question, the reader should assume it complies with the size restrictions above).

I'm finding the literal interpretation ridiculous (I'm not an experienced traveler). Who takes their laptops without their laptop bags? Are people supposed to just hold on to the laptop at all times? What about other components frequently coupled with laptops like mouses, chargers and USB drives?

I think a much more reasonable interpretation is that I'll be allowed a laptop within its proper backpack/bag, plus a carry-on as described above.

I've reached out to Delta repeatedly, but they are not giving precise answers, always erroring on the side of ambiguity, hence this question.

Can anyone clarify for me whether or not I'm allowed to take a laptop inside its proper backpack, plus a carry-on like the one in the image above?